The discovery of hundreds of dead rare animals listed in the Red Book along the shores of the Caspian Sea indicates that the ecosystem is under serious threat. This is not only the destruction of individual species, but also a clear sign of a disruption in nature’s balance.

The main causes of the problem are considered to be sea pollution, the discharge of industrial and household waste into the water without proper treatment, as well as climate change. These factors destroy the natural habitats of living organisms and lead to their массовое death.

The solution lies in strengthening supervision, treating waste properly, imposing strict fines, and carrying out regular environmental monitoring. Otherwise, such incidents may become even more widespread.

Regarding the issue, Zaur Imrani, Deputy Director and Acting Director of the Institute of Geography under the Ministry of Science and Education, Doctor of Geographical Sciences, gave a statement to Crossmedia.az:

“It should be noted that such incidents are not happening for the first time and are observed regularly. There are several main reasons for this. First of all, the negative impact of human activity on the environment should be especially emphasized.

The creation of uncontrolled garbage dumps through rivers, the discharge of wastewater into rivers, and as a result, the flow of these waters into the Caspian Sea cause serious damage to the ecosystem.

The second reason is related to industrial waste. The direct discharge of industrial waste into the sea does not comply with any environmental standards. Waste treatment processes should be implemented. Unfortunately, we observe that this process is not carried out at the required level. These situations can be clearly seen while moving along the coastline of the sea.”

Z.Imrani also noted that the third reason is connected with natural processes:

“For example, earthquakes or subsidence events occurring in the sea can also negatively affect wildlife. At the same time, global warming, the reduction of water resources, changes in the habitats of living organisms, their migration, and changes in migration routes are among the factors influencing these processes.

In general, nature is a unique and sensitive system. Both natural and human-caused impacts directly affect the balance of the ecosystem. In order to protect the environment and achieve a healthy way of life, it is essential to preserve nature and its wildlife, and to further strengthen environmental policy.

In this direction, scientific research alone is not enough. Regular monitoring must be conducted, awareness campaigns should be expanded, and serious measures, including financial penalties, must be taken.”